Pearson New International Edition International pcl tp indd 1

NIGHT AUDIT AND REPORT MANAGEMENT
For transient travelers, payment cards are the most common method used to establish
hotel credit.
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without settling his or her account. Even though accounts are generally not settled
until check-out, high-balance amounts may require close examination and, perhaps,
specific management. This could be the case, for example, with a guest who has been
permitted to exceed a previously established credit limit.
Credit Limit Strategies
When a guest’s name appears on the night auditor’s credit limit report the FOM
must have a plan to address the potential problem. Usually, a decision is made to
increase the credit limits or to require immediate full or partial payment. Either of
these strategies will place the guest within the proper credit limit.
Many guests establish credit at check-in with a payment card; their account bal-
ance shortfalls can be easily addressed by increasing the authorization amount on the
card. In the example of Ms. Bardello, the night auditor would follow the policies
established by the hotel’s credit manager, and attempt to authorize Ms. Bardello’s
card for the proper amount.